St. Patrick's Day Events in Chicago
Discover Irish parades, traditional music sessions, and Celtic celebrations happening in Chicago this St. Patrick's weekend. Browse 30 themed events and more things to do March 14–17.
Browse Events🎭 St. Patrick's Day Events in Chicago
Events with Irish, Celtic, or St. Patrick's themes happening this weekend.
St. Patrick's Day Friday Night Lake Michigan Shamrock Cruise
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 AM
📍 Anita Dee II TEMPORARILY LOCATED at BURNHAM HARBOR (See directions below)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.72 - 42.32
Chicago Shamrock Crawl - Wrigleyville's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl 25+Bars
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Wrigleyville's Best Bars (Full List Below)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 10.00 - 40.08
St. Paddy's Official West Loop Bar Crawl
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 858 W Lake St
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 14.00
St Patrick's PALLOOZA 25+ Bars and Clubs Included
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 West Loop
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51 - 65.87
Chicago Shamrock Crawl
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Wrigleyville Sports
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 28.50
Shamrockin' at the Pier - Navy Pier St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Navy Pier
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 13.58 - 25.21
ST PATRICKS DAY EVENT
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Reserv
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51 - 215.26
Celtic Drip
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Morgan's on Fulton
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 39.19 - 108.55
St. Paddy's on the River – Front Row at The Northman Beer & Cider Garden
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:30 PM
📍 The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Riverwalk
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 77.73 - 88.72
IPH'S St. Patrick's Day ON THE RIVERWALK: River Dyeing, Green Beer
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 PM
📍 Island Party Hut (between Lake Shore Drive and Columbus on the Riverwalk)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 9.99 - 28.01
St Patrick’s Day Party at Federales in Fulton Market / West Loop
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 PM
📍 Federales Tacos & Tequila - Fulton Market, Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 49.75 - 55.73
St. Paddy's on the Riverwalk- Chicago Brewhouse
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 PM
📍 Chicago Brewhouse Riverwalk
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 119.22
St. Patrick's Day Morning Lake Michigan Shamrock Cruise on Sat, March 14
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:30 PM
📍 Anita Dee II TEMPORARILY LOCATED at BURNHAM HARBOR (See directions below)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.72 - 42.32
St. Paddy's Kegs & Eggs at Millennium Hall- Easy Parade Route Access
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 3:00 PM
📍 Millennium Hall
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 43.30 - 96.37
Shamrocked Circus & Party(Chicago's Biggest St. Patrick's Day Party)
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 3:00 PM
📍 Alhambra Palace Restaurant
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 19.04 - 40.02
STAY GOLD ST. PADDY'S PARTY at Offshore Rooftop ☘️
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 4:00 PM
📍 Offshore Rooftop & Bar
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 28.52
St. Patrick's Day Late Morning Green River Cruise on Sat, March 14
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 4:30 PM
📍 Anita Dee ONE Boarding at Dusable Harbor (See map and directions at bottom of page for exact location)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 35.00 - 69.97
ANNUAL: Irish You Were Here St Patty's OFFICIAL River North Bar Crawl
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 River North
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 13.76 - 25.50
2026 Chicago St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Saturday All Access
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Downtown Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 0.00 - 25.32
St. Patrick's Day Chicago Green River Booze Cruise!
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Chicago Lakefront Cruises
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 54.36 - 112.51
Get Shamrocked Day Party | Joy District Rooftop | 12 PM
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Joy District
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 13.98 - 1445.21
Sip Me, I'm Irish | Hubbard Inn | 12pm
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Hubbard Inn
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51 - 1078.00
River North Afternoon St. Paddy's Bar Crawl
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 River North
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 14.00
The Original St Patricks Day Bar Crawl Walk of Shamerock
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Joy District
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51
Rock The Dock - R&B and Green River Party
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 Island Party Boat
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 63.20
Old Town St. Paddy's "Bar Access Pass"
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 1419 N Wells St
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 14.00
BlueCrawls Presents: #1 ST. PATTY’S CRAWL | IRISH YOU WERE HERE~North River
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 5:00 PM
📍 River North
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 9.16 - 37.78
Hands-On: Green Pasta
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 6:00 PM
📍 Eataly Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 103.19
St. Patrick's Day Afternoon Lake Michigan Shamrock Cruise on Sat, March 14
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 6:30 PM
📍 Anita Dee II TEMPORARILY LOCATED at BURNHAM HARBOR (See directions below)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.72 - 42.32
The R&B and Green River Cruise
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 6:30 PM
📍 Island Party Boat
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 91.03
📍 St. Patrick's Day in Chicago — Tips & Guide
Local Scene
Chicago's St. Patrick's Day celebration is world-famous for one spectacular tradition: dyeing the Chicago River emerald green using an environmentally safe orange powder that transforms the water into a brilliant Irish hue. This unique spectacle happens at 9 AM on parade day, drawing thousands to the riverwalk for photos of the stunning green waterway flowing through downtown's architectural canyon. The main parade kicks off at noon, marching down Columbus Drive with elaborate floats, traditional Irish step dancers, and dozens of bagpipe bands creating an electrifying atmosphere. River North's numerous Irish pubs like Chief O'Neill's and The Gage transform into all-day celebrations, while Wicker Park and Lincoln Park offer neighborhood pub crawls through areas with strong Irish-American heritage. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra often presents special Celtic music performances at Symphony Center, and the Old Town School of Folk Music hosts traditional Irish sessions throughout the weekend. Navy Pier gets into the spirit with family-friendly Irish festivals featuring cultural demonstrations, traditional games, and children's activities. For a more authentic experience, visit the Irish-American Heritage Center in Mayfair, which hosts traditional music, dancing, and Irish language workshops. End your celebration in neighborhoods like Beverly or Bridgeport, where longtime Irish-American families keep traditions alive in community centers and parish halls.
Insider Tips
The river dyeing happens at 9 AM from Upper Wacker Drive—arrive by 8:30 AM for good viewing spots. The parade starts at noon at Balbo Drive and Columbus, ending at Monroe. Dress warmly; March in Chicago averages 35–50°F with strong lakefront winds. Use the L train instead of driving—parking downtown is nearly impossible on parade day. Many bars start serving at 8 AM with Irish breakfast specials. For photos of the green river, head to the Michigan Avenue Bridge or any riverwalk access point. The crowds thin out significantly after 4 PM, making it easier to explore Irish neighborhoods. Book dinner reservations early, as most restaurants offer special Irish menus but fill up fast.
🎉 More Things to Do This Weekend in Chicago
Not specifically St. Patrick's-themed, but great options for a fun weekend out — March 14–17.
FRIDAY MARCH 13: RYAN O'FLANAGAN
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • Time TBD
📍 The Comedy Bar - Chicago Main Stage
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 33.18 - 45.46
VICES release show || Mehtab Kirtan & Current Vibrations
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • Time TBD
📍 Horatio N May Chapel
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 20.00 - 40.00
Chicago Entrepreneur Networking Event
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • Time TBD
📍 Joy District
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 9.85 - 21.05
Chamber Ensembles
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 12:30 AM
📍 UIC Recital Hall (L285)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ Free
St. Patrick's Day Friday Night River Cruise on Fri, March 13
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 AM
📍 Anita Dee ONE Boarding at Dusable Harbor (See map and directions at bottom of page for exact location)
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.72 - 42.32
Back in Chi-Town Joslieto the Puppet
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:30 AM
📍 1113 W Belmont Ave
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 33.83 - 44.52
Babes Only Presents: BABES WORLD JUNGLE RAVE w/ SIMMY, TIGERMILK & PETTY
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:30 AM
📍 1366 N Milwaukee Ave
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51 - 17.85
Bad Bunny: Pole Night
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 AM
📍 Provocateur
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 33.85 - 247.27
FRIDAY MARCH 13: RYAN O'FLANAGAN
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:00 AM
📍 The Comedy Bar - Chicago Main Stage
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 33.18 - 45.46
AFROBEATS FRIDAYZ: St Patty’s Day Edition
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 2:30 AM
📍 Masada
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 0.00 - 33.85
CHICAGO LOVE ME DOWN "RNB SILENT PARTY EDITION" (Valentine’s Weekend)
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 3:00 AM
📍 The Dime
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 9.31 - 65.87
text me when you home: (r&b, hip-hop, trap & twerk)
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 3:00 AM
📍 BAR22
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 0.00 - 37.70
Hats, Boots, and Daisy Dukes Hosted by VontheCowboy
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 3:00 AM
📍 Expat
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.50
St. Patrick's Day on the River at Lizzie McNeill's
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 12:00 PM
📍 Lizzie McNeill's, North McClurg Court, Chicago, IL, USA
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 216.64
St. Pat's at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 25.00 - 816.32
ST. PATRICKS DAY WEST LOOP & RIVER NORTH GOLDEN TICKET WEEKEND PASS
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 West Loop
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 12.51 - 55.20
St. Patrick's Day River North Bar Fest
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 River North
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 13.58
St. Patrick's River Dyeing Party 2026
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 92.55 - 252.61
ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER DYEING VIEWING PARTY
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 71 E Wacker Dr
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 247.27
St. Patrick's Day Party at Ranalli's in West Loop
📅 Sat, Mar 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM
📍 Ranalli's Pizza Bar - West Loop, Chicago
🏙️ Chicago
🎟️ USD 37.83
❓ St. Patrick's Day in Chicago — FAQs
What time do they dye the Chicago River green?
The river dyeing ceremony begins at 9 AM on parade day (usually Saturday before March 17). The best viewing spots are along the Chicago Riverwalk or from bridges like Michigan Avenue Bridge. The green color lasts about 5 hours.
Where is Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade route?
The parade starts at Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive at noon, heads north to Monroe Street. It passes Grant Park and offers great views of the lakefront. The parade typically lasts 2-3 hours with floats, marching bands, and cultural groups.
What are the best neighborhoods for St. Patrick's Day in Chicago?
River North has numerous Irish pubs within walking distance, Lincoln Park offers great bar crawls, Beverly has deep Irish-American roots, and the Irish-American Heritage Center in Mayfair hosts authentic cultural events. Wicker Park and Bucktown also have excellent pub scenes.
Is there Irish music in Chicago beyond St. Patrick's Day?
Absolutely! Chief O'Neill's Pub hosts regular traditional sessions, the Old Town School of Folk Music offers Irish classes year-round, the Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest has ongoing cultural programs, and venues like Kingston Mines occasionally feature Irish folk acts.